Texas drivers: Frequent storms bring black ice
In 2017, USA Today reported that Texas is the 8th deadliest state in the U.S. for wintertime vehicle accidents. Winter storms, with their dangerous driving conditions, including black ice, happen often in the Bayou City.
- On Friday, February 4, 2011 an ice storm hit Houston “paralyzing the city.” It caused more than 800 accidents in 24 hours. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett warned drivers that authorities were “most worried about black ice.”
- On Saturday, January 25, 2014, snow and ice paralyzed Houston and areas as far east as Lake Charles, Louisiana. Accuweather warned drivers about black ice.
- On Saturday, December 7, 2017, law enforcement officials in Houston warned drivers that black ice could form on area roads as snow, sleet and freezing rain “blanketed the region overnight.”
- On Tuesday, January 16, 2018, Houston had 400 roadway crashes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. as “a winter storm gripped the area,” leaving dangerous black ice on the road. The winter gridlock lasted for three days.
Why is black ice so dangerous?
Black ice is the same color as the road. So drivers can’t see it. When a car hits black ice, it starts to glide because tires don’t have any traction. AccuWeather calls black ice “the most dangerous” winter driving hazard because it’s “slippery, hard to spot and potentially deadly.” It’s most likely to occur “between sunset and sunrise when temperatures are typically the lowest.” If temperatures drop suddenly in the early morning and evening hours” when air is at or below 32 degrees, rain immediately “freezes on impact,” causing black ice.
Why aren’t more drivers aware of black ice?
State Farm calls black ice a “common culprit” that many drivers have never heard of. In 2017, USA Today reported that “the number of deadly winter-weather-related car accidents dwarfs the number of deaths” caused by tornadoes, hurricanes or floods, but “these accidents get far less media attention.”
How to drive on black ice
It’s best not to drive at all if black ice is in the forecast. If a car does hit black ice, State Farm advises drivers not to panic. Instead, drivers should remain calm, lift their feet off the accelerator and resist turning the wheel, letting the car glide until it gets past the ice and regains traction. Drivers with anti-lock brakes (ALBS) systems, should press on the brakes. Drivers without an anti-brake lock system should gently pump their brakes.
Wayne Wright knows how to get results for victims
Drivers in black ice accidents can get the help they need from Wayne Wright. His national legal awards are proof of his ability to deal successfully with insurance companies on behalf of his clients. He knows some companies try to delay or deny claims to protect their profits because accident rates have been rising in recent years. He is one of America’s top trial lawyers. Clients only pay fees when Wayne Wright wins their cases and calls and evaluations are free.
Texas drivers: Frequent storms bring black ice
In 2017, USA Today reported that Texas is the 8th deadliest state in the U.S. for wintertime vehicle accidents. Winter storms, with their dangerous driving conditions, including black ice, happen often in the Bayou City.
- On Friday, February 4, 2011 an ice storm hit Houston “paralyzing the city.” It caused more than 800 accidents in 24 hours. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett warned drivers that authorities were “most worried about black ice.”
- On Saturday, January 25, 2014, snow and ice paralyzed Houston and areas as far east as Lake Charles, Louisiana. Accuweather warned drivers about black ice.
- On Saturday, December 7, 2017, law enforcement officials in Houston warned drivers that black ice could form on area roads as snow, sleet and freezing rain “blanketed the region overnight.”
- On Tuesday, January 16, 2018, Houston had 400 roadway crashes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. as “a winter storm gripped the area,” leaving dangerous black ice on the road. The winter gridlock lasted for three days.
Why is black ice so dangerous?
Black ice is the same color as the road. So drivers can’t see it. When a car hits black ice, it starts to glide because tires don’t have any traction. AccuWeather calls black ice “the most dangerous” winter driving hazard because it’s “slippery, hard to spot and potentially deadly.” It’s most likely to occur “between sunset and sunrise when temperatures are typically the lowest.” If temperatures drop suddenly in the early morning and evening hours” when air is at or below 32 degrees, rain immediately “freezes on impact,” causing black ice.
Why aren’t more drivers aware of black ice?
State Farm calls black ice a “common culprit” that many drivers have never heard of. In 2017, USA Today reported that “the number of deadly winter-weather-related car accidents dwarfs the number of deaths” caused by tornadoes, hurricanes or floods, but “these accidents get far less media attention.”
How to drive on black ice
It’s best not to drive at all if black ice is in the forecast. If a car does hit black ice, State Farm advises drivers not to panic. Instead, drivers should remain calm, lift their feet off the accelerator and resist turning the wheel, letting the car glide until it gets past the ice and regains traction. Drivers with anti-lock brakes (ALBS) systems, should press on the brakes. Drivers without an anti-brake lock system should gently pump their brakes.
Wayne Wright knows how to get results for victims
Drivers in black ice accidents can get the help they need from Wayne Wright. His national legal awards are proof of his ability to deal successfully with insurance companies on behalf of his clients. He knows some companies try to delay or deny claims to protect their profits because accident rates have been rising in recent years. He is one of America’s top trial lawyers. Clients only pay fees when Wayne Wright wins their cases and calls and evaluations are free.